Mercy Recounts Evacuation Efforts in Joplin

May 23, 2011

Mercy thanks the courageous doctors, nurses and other caregivers who evacuated 183 patients after a tornado struck St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo., Sunday evening. A number of Mercy caregivers themselves were injured. Their selfless efforts put their patients first and resulted in a timely and orderly evacuation.

In spite of these heroic efforts, Mercy is saddened to confirm that five patients lost their lives. The families of the patients have been notified. In addition, an unidentified visitor was among those who perished. Authorities have been working to determine the identity of the visitor and to notify the family.

Mercy is working with emergency response agencies, city and state officials, and other health care organizations to follow up on those patients who were evacuated from the hospital Sunday evening. In ongoing dialogue with the Governor and his office, Mercy has brought to bear our resources from other communities across four states. These resources have included providing supplies at the Memorial Hall triage center and to Freeman Health System. Nurses, physicians and others from across Mercy have rallied in support of their Joplin co-workers and the Joplin community.

As reported earlier in the day, medical records have been found throughout the area. Mercy is asking anyone who has found medical records or information that appears to be related to patient care to hold these documents, as we determine a process for collecting them. Please respect the privacy of any records you may have, and we will advise about the process for returning them to Mercy shortly.

We have received offers of support from across the country. Mercy is accepting donations to assist the victims of the tornado through www.mercy.net. We appreciate the generosity that has been extended to Mercy and to the Joplin community.

Mercy stands committed to continuing to provide high quality medical care in Joplin and we will hold meetings in the near future to discuss employment logistics.

All Mercy co-workers in Joplin are reminded that they do not need to report to work, unless they are specifically called to be a part of the emergency response team. Mercy Joplin co-workers are encouraged to call 888.986.3729 to account for their safety and needs, and to determine the best way to share information with them in the days ahead.

For more information, contact:

Joanne Cox – 620.330.3006

Tina Rockhold – 620.224.8842

Nancy Corbett – 405.615.6674

Please note that cell phone service into the Joplin area has been intermittent.